Office of Communications » Press/Media Sideline Requests

Press/Media Sideline Requests

With the popularity and media coverage of the Trinity League teams, we at Mater Dei are taking extra steps to become more professional in our approach in communicating with the press and media coverage. This year we have changed our policies and procedures for games and are encouraging the press and media to be patient with us as we maneuver through this process.

Press/Media Sideline Request Policy for Home Games.

  • We ask that all requests for press/media sideline passes be made no later than Tuesday of game week through our online request portal.
  • Please complete the entire form including providing a copy of your current CIF-SS credentials. Any requests received the day of the game may not guarantee access to the field.
  • Media outlets are limited to two team members requesting sideline access.
  • All press/media must always have their own CIF-SS media credentials.
  • All requests are subject to approval. Completion of the request does not guarantee access to the field during the game. You will receive a final confirmation from the Executive Director of Communication with instructions by 12 noon on game day. 
  • Any photographer/videographer must always have credentials visible. Failure to comply may result in removal from the field.
  • All photographers/videographers are asked to stay behind slotted line and barriers on sidelines. Failure to comply may result in injury and/or removal from the field.
  • Only professional cameras are permitted for photographers/videographers on the field. Failure to have a professional camera may prevent field access.
  • Parking is not provided for press/media/photographers/videographers. We recommend the parking structure across the street ($10 cash only).
  • Field access for the press box media credentials will only be allowed in the last 5 minutes of the game. At that time, please safely make your way to the south end of the field. A media tent will be set up after the game for all media to address their questions to the coach and requested players. Please do not address any questions to players or coaches until after the coach has met with his team directly after the Monarch Pride Drill and Alma Mater (10-minute cool down period).
  • During the game, we ask photographers and videographers to not walk behind the Mater Dei team players. This is a safety issue and creates less clutter and confusion during the play of the game. At the end of the quarter and half, you may switch sides. Attempting to try during the play of game may result in removal from the field.
  • Out of state members of the press/media or other journalists are advised to contact the Executive Director of communication at [email protected] at least 72 hours in advance of game day.
  • All press/media are reminded that the sideline can be dangerous. Mater Dei High School, the Diocese of Orange and the City of Santa Ana are not responsible for any injuries that occur and that members of the press/media do so at their own risk.
If you do not currently have a current CIF-SS Credentials, you may view the process and apply online at the link below. Credential requests are not guaranteed by CIF and the verification process can take several weeks. Please plan accordingly. 
 
All CIF-SS Credentials must be renewed on an annual basis. 
 
Please direct questions specific to the credentialing process and timeline to Thom Simmons at CIF at (562) 493-9500.